Kathmandu— US-based lawyer Jim Walden on Tuesday defended the dismissal of criminal charges against Gautam Adani, chairman of the Adani Group, and his nephew Sagar Adani by a US court, describing it as consistent with constitutional principles and recognizing the boundaries of American legal authority. The case, which alleged bribery of Indian government officials related to solar power contracts, was dropped after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) requested its dismissal with prejudice – meaning the charges cannot be refiled. Walden emphasized that the original prosecution represented an overreach of regulation beyond US borders and that such shifts in legal priorities are normal during changes in political administrations.

Prosecutorial Discretion and Legal Boundaries

Walden underscored the court’s obligation to comply with the DOJ's request, stating it was “par for the course.” He argued the prosecution had extended to the “outer fringes of the US trying to regulate conduct abroad,” emphasizing that a functioning democracy must respect international jurisdictional limits. "The court was obligated to comply with the request," Walden said. "I think that the DOJ application was appropriate and the court was obligated to follow separation of powers and let the federal government do its job as it saw fit."

Shifting Priorities Under New Administrations

Walden highlighted that changes in prosecutorial priorities are a natural consequence of changing presidential administrations, framing this flexibility as standard practice within American democracy. He asserted that variations in how different administrations view their role are inherent to the system and essential for its healthy functioning. “I think it stands for the proposition that the federal government should limit its power,” he explained. “When the next administration comes in… there has always going to be a difference in the way administrations see their role and that is part of a healthy functioning democracy.”

Adani Group Receives Legal Relief

The dismissal brings major legal relief to the Adani Group, ending a high-profile case that had generated considerable negative publicity. Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa described the order as “highly significant” for the group. Gautam Adani himself welcomed the decision in a social media post, expressing humility and respect for the judicial process. The initial indictment in November 2024 accused Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani, and others of allegedly bribing Indian government officials concerning solar power contracts; all parties denied these allegations.

The dismissal of criminal charges concludes this specific legal battle, though separate civil proceedings involving Adani and Sagar Adani before the US Securities and Exchange Commission remain ongoing – for which they previously agreed to pay penalties without admitting wrongdoing.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.